Citrus-Garlic Mojo Pork Roast
A tender pork shoulder marinated in a bright, herb-infused mojo sauce, slow-roasted to golden perfection. This cuban-inspired holiday ready in about 165 minutes pairs pounds pork shoulder roast, olive oil, lime juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.
Ingredients
- 4 pounds pork shoulder roast
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 325°F. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup olive oil, 1/4 cup lime juice, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper to form a marinade.
- Step 2: Place the 4-pound pork shoulder roast in a roasting pan and rub the marinade evenly over the entire surface, making sure to get into any crevices.
- Step 3: Roast uncovered in the preheated oven for 2 hours and 15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 195°F, basting every 30 minutes with the pan juices.
- Step 4: Remove from oven and let rest for 20 minutes before slicing.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Citrus-Garlic Mojo Pork Roast take to make?
Total time is about 165 minutes (30 min prep + 135 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Citrus-Garlic Mojo Pork Roast?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep pounds pork shoulder roast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Citrus-Garlic Mojo Pork Roast?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Citrus-Garlic Mojo Pork Roast for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Citrus-Garlic Mojo Pork Roast?
Cuban holiday like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
My Cuban grandmother would approve—authentic, flavorful, and easy to make for crowds.
- ★★★★★
The tender pork and bright citrus flavors made this a standout holiday dish. Served with rice and plantains!
- ★★★★★
This mojo sauce transformed the pork into pure holiday magic. My whole family begged for seconds!